# Utilitarian Statement Men embrace bomber and varsity jackets as a versatile style staple. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Mar 15, 2016 | Category: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/style-and-fashion-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/utilitarian-statement ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.9/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Utilitarian Statement trend? **Utilitarian Statement:** As the fashion world begins to push the boundary of men's statement fashions, bomber jackets and varsity jackets have emerged as one particularly convenient and simple way to assert one's personal style. An easy way to complete any outfit, such statement jackets showcase the cyclical nature of fashion and suggest a re-visitation of the classic silhouette and its versatility in accommodating modern references without compromising a vintage aesthetic. In addition to suggesting a heightened mainstream interest in men's fashion, this highlights the desire for wardrobe pieces that are versatile. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 26 to Nov 18, 2015 - Published: Mar 15, 2016 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality) - Megatrends: [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Utilitarian Statement trend ### Limited Edition Capsule Collections Passionate fans are willing to spend on luxury items that are part of a historic collaboration. ### Playful Reinvention of Classic Styles The Valentino jacket collection shows a reinvention of traditional varsity attire while maintaining the sportsmanship aesthetic. ### Dual-Purpose and Reversible Fashion The ISAORA reversible bomber jacket offers practicality to consumers who want to stretch their dollar as far as possible. ## What the Utilitarian Statement trend means for industry ### For Fashion The article highlights multiple statements fashions and new designs in jackets and bomber jackets, giving insight into trends in the fashion industry. ### For Activism and Cultural Tributes The Black Panther Party leather jacket tribute is an example of the activism-linked trend in fashion collections that make political or cultural tributes. ### For Skate and Sports Fashion The Stussy x Fragment Design jacket collection represents commemorations of skate and sports brands and their historical successes. ## Workshop question What role does versatility play in your offering? ## Trend signals for Utilitarian Statement Trend score 3.9 out of 10, from popularity 44%, activity 66%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 44% - Activity: 66% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Utilitarian Statement trend 6 featured examples from Feb 26 to Nov 18, 2015. - [Dual-Purpose Outerwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reversible-bomber-jacket): The ISAORA Reversible Bomber Jacket Can Be Worn in Multiple Ways (Category: Fashion) Implication: The fashion industry can explore the production of dual-purpose outerwear that caters to consumers looking for versatile and practical clothing options. - [High-Fashion Varsity Jackets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/highfashion-varsity): These Jackets by Valentino are Stitched with Butterflies and Flowers (Category: Fashion) Implication: The fashion industry can leverage the trend of modernizing traditional varsity attire and adding feminine embellishments to create innovative and unique high-fashion products. - [Celebratory Fashion Style Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/style-collection): The Stussy x Fragment Line Honors 35 Years of Hip Fashion (Category: Fashion) Implication: Opportunities for fashion brands to create retro-inspired collections that honor their brand's history and iconic branding. - [Whale-Embossed Jackets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jacquard-varsity-jacket): Thom Browne's Jacquard Varsity Jacket Makes Free Willy Look Fashionable (Category: Fashion) Implication: Innovative trends in animal-inspired fashion and luxury outerwear present opportunities for fashion designers to create unique and high-end garments. - [Canadian Rapper Fashions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ovo-x-roots-canada): This OVO x Roots Canada October Varsity Jacket is a Limited Release (Category: Fashion) Implication: The fashion industry can explore the trend of limited release capsule collections and brand collaborations to create exclusive and highly desirable products that cater to dedicate… - [Statement Leather Bombers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leather-bombers): This Varsity Jacket Pays Homage to the Historic Black Panther Party (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Creating clothing items that are more than just stylish, but carry meaning and make a statement. ## Recent trend clusters - [Scaled Restraint](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/small-luxury-watches) (Fashion) - [Sneaker Theater](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sneaker-theater) (Fashion) - [Ritual Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ritual-systems) (Fashion) - [Athletic Styling](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/athletic-styling) (Fashion) ## Trending in Fashion - [Paisley-Shelled Collector Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paisley-shelled-collector-sneakers) - [Fruit-Inspired Digital Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/themed-wristwatches) - [Deluxe Beauty Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/classic-and-prestige) - [Modular Winter Wardrobes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moose-knuckles-fallwinter-2026) All articles: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion)